Apples vs. Apples?!

Over the years we've seen incredible advancements in technology that assist everyday average individuals in turning videos into masterpieces. By using programs such as iMovie and Final Cut Pro users are able to turn their raw video clips into cutting edge movies!

When I first started working here at SMDC I had very little knowledge of either program, iMovie and Final Cut Pro, but after taking one of our free classes on iMovie I can now say I definitely know my way around iMovie a lot more confidently! Since my knowledge of iMovie has improved it still leaves me with wondering more about about Final Cut Pro.

Here are two basic things that I use to only know:

1. Final Cut Pro is another Apple produced video editing software.
2. Final Cut Pro is a whole 'nother mess that I was afraid to try to tackle.

Now, number one and, sadly number two, are all about lack of knowledge about the software.I am hoping that this post will help you know more about the programs as well!

So are we comparing apples to apples or apples to oranges? Lets find out!

Similarities between iMovie and Final Cut Pro:

• They are both Apple products that SMDC has on all our Mac computers
• Both are video editing software
• Both have the ability to include video titles, import audio clips, and edit clip speeds
• performs transitions between clips and scenes, iMovie provides simple transitions and Final Cut Pro provides more advance features
• exports to a few other popular video formats

Differences:
iMovie

• Geared towards first-time or novice video editors that want to learn the basics of video editing and create their own home movies or videos
• Allows users to import projects directly into iMovie simply by dragging and dropping, not to be confused with dragging and drop video files! Video files still need to be uploaded directly into iMovie!
•   Ability to use themes, or templates, to create dramatic effects

Final Cut Pro

• Geared towards video professionals
• Provides advanced features and options, such as features that will make editing faster and more efficient
• Final Cut Pro also supports many third-party plug-ins that allow the software to be used with formats not usually supported by Apple

**Please note that these facts were taken from Steves-Digicams.com wonderful comparison called Final Cut Pro vs. iMovie

Overall, I would say that iMovie is the right option for everyday casual users whereas Final Cut Pro is more for users who want a more advanced hands on approach to video editing. BUT from my research, using either program is very attainable for any basic user.

If your interested in learning how to use either programs, please keep an eye out for Multimedia Workshops offered at SMDC or visit UD LearnIT Training Classes and Resources which offers VTC Online offers over 55,000 video tutorials, for UD students, staff and faculty, but you must contact IT to obtain a user name and password!